5 things to do this weekend, including 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and the return of Snowport

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Field Guide to Boston

This is the time of year when it feels best to settle into the warmth of a theater and watch a thought-provoking movie, or curl up at home with an old book. Both are options this weekend: check out the Boston Jewish Film Festival or the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair. For an exhilarating theatrical experience, turn to Boston Lyric Opera’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” or enter the ultimate winter shopping experience at Snowport. These events and more, below.

Boston Jewish Film Festival

Wednesday, Nov. 4-Sunday, Nov. 15

Presented by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Boston, the 38th Boston Jewish Film Festival opens Wednesday at the Coolidge Corner Theatre with “ The Sound Man .” Directed by Frank van Passel, the film tells the story of a delicate connection that forms between a radio apprentice and an emerging actress, set on the precipice of the 1940 German invasion of Belgium. On Thursday, “ Our Bodies & Other Shames ” screens at the Brattle Theater, a movie about childhood friends meeting for a sleepover after the news is revealed that one of them has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Also on Thursday, catch “ Looking for Yadida ” at JCC Greater Boston, about a woman who is trying to find out what happened to her missing aunt. Don’t miss Saturday’s “ Women on Trial ,” also screening at the Brattle Theater, about a 16-year-old who is prosecuted for having an illegal abortion in the year 1972, leading to powerful efforts by a Jewish lawyer to create change. On Sunday, “ The First Lady ” shows at the MFA, about Efrat Tilma, a trailblazing transgender woman who left Israel as a teen in the 1960s. An all-access festival pass costs $182, and individual tickets can be purchased as well. For the full lineup, visit the festival’s website . [Check out our fall arts guide for more film festival recommendations .]

' A Streetcar Named Desire '

Thursday, Nov. 5-Sunday, Nov. 8

Tennessee Williams’ classic story of the clash between illusion and reality comes to life in Boston Lyric Opera and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” staged at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre. The emotional operatic work, with music by André Previn and a libretto by Philip Littell, weaves a narrative about aging Southern belle Blanche DuBois, who comes to live in New Orleans with her sister Stella, leading to a collision of worlds with Stella’s charismatic but domineering husband Stanley. Director Patricia Racette described how the audience should “feel the heat, the claustrophobia, and the emotional intensity with which the story unfolds,” while enjoying a score composed of touches of jazz, classical motifs and traditional music from New Orleans. Tickets start at $40, and Thursday and Friday’s shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday’s starts at 3 p.m. [Explore our seasonal guide for more fall classical music productions .]

Snowport

Opens Friday, Nov. 6

Every year, the Seaport District is taken over by an outdoor market that’s proven to be the perfect place to do some holiday shopping. Snowport opens this Friday, bringing together over 130 makers selling apparel, candles, jewelry, toys and games, children’s gifts and more. Vendors include Kashmir Moon, displaying fine embroidery and hand-knotted rugs, artwork from Life Lost on Wax, home decor from Turkish Bazaar, and pendants and earrings from Avigail Adam Jewelry. There will also be food and drink offerings from eateries such as Naughty Waffle, Lakon Paris, Tuscan Kitchen and Madhrasi Chai. For those looking for a more hands-on experience, there will be The Creativity Corner, featuring craft projects such as snow globe making, a stage where musicians will perform on Monday nights, and The Warming Tent, where visitors can pick up a beverage from themed bars, including The Dizzy Dreidel and Betty’s Bar. Entry is free, but those wishing to skip the line on Saturday and Sunday can pay $15 for adults or $7 for veterans and children ages 6-17.

Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair

Friday, Nov. 6-Sunday, Nov. 8

For those looking for a read that may take them back in history, the 48th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair might be just the stop. Held at the Hynes Convention Center, the festival presents an opportunity to purchase old manuscripts, children’s books, maps and autographs, and rare items from around the world. Exhibitors include Bauman Rare Books, Brattle Book Shop, Commonwealth Books, Riverow Bookshop and others. Guests will also hear from speakers, such as Laura Wasowicz, who presents the lecture “From Michaelmas-Day to Thanksgiving: The Transatlantic Transformation of Poor Molly Goosey Into La Gansa Amorosa,” and John McQuillen, who explores “Century European Blockbooks: What Are They and Where Are They Now?” Tickets on Friday cost $25, while Saturday tickets cost $15 and Sunday tickets cost $10.

Arlington Open Studios

Saturday, Nov. 7

Every year, Arlington visual artists throw a community showcase that allows browsers to observe and purchase handmade works, coming together to support local creativity. Now in its 28th year, Arlington Open Studios takes place at two sites: Arlington Town Hall and Arlington Community Center + Arlington Center for the Arts. Visitors will see pieces from more than 80 artists, such as Sophie Lucas, a painter who “is inspired by the complexity of the human spirit and the psychological battles that shape our vision of the world,” and Janet Smith, who captures images of “anything that does not run away, and then some things that do.” Music by Spajazzy and the Arlington High School Band will be performed on the steps of Town Hall, while food will be sold by The Roasted Granola. Guests will also enjoy a free puppet performance ACA studio artist Margaret Moody and friends and a ceramics demo. The event lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free.

The ARTery's Weekend Preview Field Guide to Boston